Mom of 1 TT w/Lipo, Muscle Repair

I've thought about a tummy tuck for so long but was, and still am, scared about the procedure. But after a major life change, I decided I was ready to do it. I'm tired of literally carrying my stomach around. I've worked so hard to lose weight and get in shape. Even though my stomach is a lot smaller now, it still hangs over you know what and I still feel like I look like I'm 3 months pregnant all of the time. I want to feel confident in my own skin. So, I got serious about doing my research and had a consultation with two doctors. Dr. Joseph was the first doctor I met with and I walked away from that appointment already feeling like I had found the right doctor for me. He made me feel very comfortable by taking the time to answer all of my questions (and I had a lot) and explaining the procedure to me. I still thought it was important to meet with at least one other doctor. The other doctor is very popular here but I just didn't feel good about him the way I did about Dr. Joseph. So I scheduled my tummy tuck with lipo with Dr. Joseph for December 13th. My pre-op appointment is this Thursday, December 2nd. Everyone I've told that I'm doing this asks if I'm excited. But honestly, I'm not, I'm scared. It's major surgery and anything can happen. What if something goes wrong during the surgery? During recovery? Maybe I watched too many youtube videos of the surgery and did too much research online haha. As scared as I am, I'm not backing out though. Every time I look in the mirror and see my stomach, every time I feel uncomfortable and try to hide it, and every time my core feels weak when I try to exercise because my abdominal muscles are separated, it reminds me that fixing the issue is better for me than continuing to live with it. I plan to document my journey here and hopefully find others going through the same thing so we can help and support each other.

My pre-op went very well. Dr. Joseph's nurse, Anita, was so sweet to me. I got super emotional during the pre-op and she was very patient. I've called and asked her or the front staff so many questions since I scheduled the surgery and since my pre-op and they answer all of my questions to put me at ease as well as follow up when I have a request. They have never made me feel like I'm asking too many questions or make me feel silly about the questions. So far, I'm really glad I chose this office for such a major surgery. I've been working on preparing for the surgery and it does feel overwhelming but I know that doing all the prep and keeping everything organized will prevent me from stressing. I've done my bloodwork, picked up my prescriptions and gotten supplies. I have my EKG scheduled for this Friday. I've been organizing things around the house to make it easier for me to get to what I need post-surgery. I've also been basically writing my family member a manual for the house and for my daughter so that everything can be taken care of without me having to worry or try to do things myself when I should be focusing on recovering. I have my to do lists and have even starting packing my overnight bag for the surgery center. I still have LOTS to do though. Just 5 more days until surgery! I still don't feel "excited" yet and I want to feel excited but I'm mostly just worried about the surgery itself and the recovery process. Still nervous and sometimes wonder if I will regret doing this.

I had my surgery on Monday, December 13th. I stayed overnight at the surgery center. One of the many reasons I chose my surgeon was because they let you stay for one night to be monitored. I can't imagine being sent home the same day I had major surgery. All the nurses who took care of me were wonderful. Dr Joseph came to check on me Tuesday morning and everything looked good so I was cleared for discharge.

Thank goodness for my rented power lift recliner. I've practically been living in that thing. I would definitely recommend renting one if you can. The walker, which I bought off Facebook marketplace for $10 has also been helpful for back support.

On my first day home after surgery I did have a fainting spell but thankfully my family member was right there with me. I think it was a combination of coming off the anesthesia, being on lots of meds, and not having eaten much. I had used the bathroom and emptied my drains. Then I was walking back with the walker and just suddenly felt super lightheaded and knew this wasn't good. Before I passed out I was able to get out the words "I don't feel so good". All I remember after that is when I became conscious again I was on my knees on the floor with my family member holding me. We called the nurse and she advised me to make sure I was drinking lots of fluids, getting electrolytes and eating something. I've been sticking to protein shakes, vegetable soup and crackers for now.

Today I had my first post op with the nurse and everything went well. I'm trying to walk as much as possible and wearing my compression socks. My feet are pretty swollen. After each walk I'm completely winded. Breathing isn't the same after surgery probably because everything feels so tight. They do provide you with a spirometer to work on your breathing to prevent pneumonia. I feel like I'm getting a little better each day. The pain is bearable. Looking forward to my next post op in 6 more days when I get to remove the drains. Yay!!!

Here are some pics of me before surgery and 2 days post op.